PC-NCG-advocates-for-a-strong Coast-Guard-to-secure-the-Gulf-of-Guinea,-elevate-Nigeria's-global-maritime-status

PC-NCG advocates for a strong Coast Guard to secure the Gulf of Guinea, elevate Nigeria's global maritime status

Wisdom Tide News/April 7, 2026

The Provisionary Committee for the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard, PC-NCG, has continued to maintain that the establishment of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard would strengthen Nigeria's position in the Gulf of Guinea and boost the country's global status as a continental maritime hub. 

The PC-NCG, in its Easter message, issued by the Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo in Abuja on Monday, quoted the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer, Captain Noah Ichaba, as saying that apart from enhancing safety for international shipping, the new agency, when established, will bring Nigeria at par with developed maritime nations.

Capt. Ichaba pointed out that the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard would create millions of direct and indirect employment opportunities for Nigerians with specialities in maritime and related services, adding that: "As of today, we all know that a secure and well-regulated maritime domain will boost investor confidence, thereby encouraging investment in coastal development and maritime industries." 

According to him, facilitating the ongoing legislative process and calling for the establishment of a robust Nigerian Coast Guard completely and genuinely aligns with national priorities within the framework of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda with a view to promoting global competitiveness in the global maritime space. 

"This resolve is not a slam on any government agency, official body or individual, as the reasons for the action are based on objective circumstances, not malice.

The proposed agency is a vital and strategic initiative that will secure Nigeria's maritime wealth, boost her economic standing, and align her maritime operations with international standards and global best practice.

"The Coast Guard Agency is essential for safeguarding Nigeria's economic and security architecture, secure her economic revenue streams, support the development of her marine resources, provide focused security for oil rigs, pipelines and shipping infrastructure at no extra financial burden to the government or draining costs that the nation is bearing. 

"In that regard, PC-NCG sincerely commends Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the visionary and hardworking Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for stating the obvious during the MS. Stephanie Vergniault-led independent evaluation mission of the European Union funded project, Gulf of Guinea Inter-Regional Network (GOGIN II) in Abuja, that the region's evolving security threats would require a more integrated and sustained international response, anchored on stronger partnerships. 

"The call for establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guard emphasizes that a shift from short-term approach to a long-term will be of greatest advantage to the country. The creation of Coast Guard is the most ideal route to the long-term solution. 

"Coast Guard's emergence will tackle the underlying drivers of maritime crimes and ensure compliance with national and international maritime laws (such as IMO standards) regarding search and rescue, pollution control, vessel regulation, maritime law enforcement and maintain a safe, stable and regulated environment; among others.

"PC-NCG's assertion comes at an important time in the life of the nation because it is crucial, timely, and pivotal to the future direction of the country's economic well-being. The current watershed and high stake moment that is testing national unity requires urgent attention and decisive action on establishing the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard without further delay. 

"Further to that, it is essential to clear the air of gray, dim, bad and negative narratives, persistently used by nay-sayers, to abort the genuine and patriotic call for the operational existence of a Nigerian Coast Guard.

"PC-NCG respectfully entreats relevant bodies and concerned persons, who are still at odds with the push for the speedy establishment of the proposed Body, to kindly reflect on their Godly purpose on earth and have a rethink for the utmost reason of the hereafter. 

"Let us demonstrate true and strong support for the creation of the agency, as a mark of love for Nigeria, the African Continent and act of agreeing with the present day need of Nigeria's maritime space for the official announcement of the incoming agency, since Nigeria has been placed along the coast by the unquestionable designer of the universe.

"It is important not to forget that everyone's tomorrow is waiting for him or her. Each person came into this world with nothing, and everyone will eventually be escorted out of this world empty-handed. 

"Why the opposition against the undeniable need of an agency that is of the greatest advantage to Nigeria? Who is afraid of Coast Guard's formal operational existence, and why should such a person be so fearful over something that is going to benefit the nation?

"Calling for the creation of the only truly and globally recognized maritime law enforcement agency, to effectively secure the open maritime commercial market, that its jurisdiction is from the baseline of 0-12 nautical miles and the internal waters, is in perfect alignment with every iota of rationalization, reality and thoughtful consideration.

"The drama of the battlefield of human survival that will lead to regrettable action need not be anyone's albatross and a legal adversary in the Supreme Court of God, where there is no chance of an appeal.

"Also, it is to be noted that those parading false identity in the name of the provisional Nigerian Coast Guard, for personal gain, who dropped their factional name; are not in alignment with the purpose and primary role of ensuring the swift passage of the Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill, but, for illegal recruitment and other ills.

"The objective of the provisional operation and activities of the Nigerian Coast Guard, being championed by PC-NCG under the leadership of Captain Noah Ichaba are not for illegal schemes, rank decorations, fraudulent sales of enlistment forms, accouterments and positions. "That make believe" is the handiwork of fake characters. 

"Accordingly, the public is hereby urged to beware of such deceitful schemes, as the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard is yet to be a formally recognized governmental authority and the PC-NCG is open to Nigerians who are not focused on advancing their own personal agenda," Capt. Noah Ichaba concluded.